Pathways to equitable perinatal mental health care
Pathways to Perinatal Mental Health Equity
This project will test whether a healthcare-only approach or a healthcare-community partnership helps pregnant and postpartum people get better care for depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1270 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06790641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study will compare two implementation approaches across 32 perinatal care settings in the United States: a health system–based model (PRISM) and a health care–community partnership model that includes PSI Peer Support. Sites are assigned to one of the two approaches and the research team will collect data from perinatal individuals, peer mentors, and clinical staff through interviews, focus groups, and program metrics. The trial emphasizes screening, referral pathways, and addressing social determinants of health to reduce gaps in care for marginalized groups. Results are intended to inform state and health system decisions about where to invest resources to expand access to perinatal mental health services.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant people or those up to one year postpartum who received care at a participating perinatal clinic, are 18 or older, and can give consent in English or Spanish are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who do not receive care at one of the participating sites, are under 18, cannot consent in the required languages, or need immediate specialized psychiatric care are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could guide health systems and states to adopt the approach that most effectively expands timely access to treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, particularly for underserved populations.
How similar studies have performed: Related collaborative care programs and peer-support initiatives for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders have shown benefit, but direct comparisons between healthcare-only and healthcare-community partnership models remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for perinatal care setting team members: * Be employed by a participating perinatal care setting in a clinical role (including as an obstetrician-gynecologist, midwife, nurse practitioner, a nurse, a navigator, or administrative staff member who implemented the respective intervention during the study period). * Be 18 years of age or older * Provide verbal consent prior to the focus group or interview * Be proficient in English Inclusion Criteria for peer mentors: * Have completed PSI training to be a peer mentor * Be 18 years of age or older * Provide verbal consent prior to the focus group or interview * Be proficient in English Inclusion Criteria for perinatal individuals: * Have received perinatal care at a study partnering perinatal care setting during the study period * Be 18 years of age or older * Provide verbal consent prior to the focus group or interview * Be proficient in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: An individual who does not meet the inclusion criteria listed above will be excluded from participation in this study. There are no additional exclusion criteria.
Where this trial is running
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
- UMass Chan Medical School — Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nancy Byatt, DO, MS, MBA — UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health
- Study coordinator: Rebekah Getman, PhD
- Email: Rebekah.Getman2@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 6177636460
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.